About Reefer Madness

Reefer Madness, originally released in 1936 as Tell Your Children, is a propaganda film revolving around the events that ensue when high school students are lured by pushers to try marijuana. The melodramatic plot takes a quick turn into mishaps, which include a hit and run accident, manslaughter, suicide, attempted rape, and hallucinations.

Making / Production

Directed by Louis Gasnier, this American film was financed by a church group concerned about drug use. Despite its serious intentions, it has since been often mocked for its panic-inspired, exaggerated take on the physiopsychological effects of cannabis consumption.

Actors

• Dorothy Short as Mary Lane, who depicts the innocent high schooler led astray, giving an unnervingly fervent performance.
• Kenneth Craig as Bill Harper, playing the role of the clean-cut boy next door who gets entangled in drug addiction.
• Lillian Miles as Blanche, who brilliantly portrays the harsh realities of drug addiction.
• Dave O'Brien as Ralph Wiley, a character fallen victim to paranoia due to drug addiction, portrayed chillingly.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was rediscovered in the 1970s and gained cult status for its unintentional hilarity.
• The movie is now in the public domain and can be streamed for free online.

Quotes

• "When she got home, she had a slight headache. Do you remember?" - Dr. Alfred Carroll
• "The truth is our only weapon!" - Dr. Alfred Carroll

Music, Soundtrack

• Being an early talkie melodrama, the movie doesn't feature much music or a distinctive soundtrack.